The Elf on the Shelf is a popular tradition created by Carol Aebersold, Chanda Bell and Christa Pitts of The Lumistella Company in 2005 after the launch of “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition,” a book that includes a Scout Elf and an adoption certificate. And even during this holiday season, where inflation is causing some financial woes, The Lumistella Company said people are still holding onto the tradition, much like their Christmas trees.